Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a Berklee student wondering about internships, here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
Don’t see your question here? Please contact the Berklee Career Center, or set up an appointment to discuss your questions in more detail.
I have an internship. What do I do now?
Congratulations on securing an internship. Enter your internship in the Career Manager to have it reviewed by the Career Center. You will be contacted by the Career Center if additional information is needed. The Career Center will have the internship course added to your schedule for the upcoming semester.
When am I eligible to register for an internship course?
College and Conservatory undergraduate students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher are eligible for IN-299 after completing two full-time semesters at Berklee.
The major-specific 495 internship courses are for college undergraduate students who have a 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher, have fifth semester standing, and have met prerequisites specific to their major. Registration in a 495 course requires the approval of the major department chair.
College and Conservatory graduate students are eligible to register for GS-595 after two semesters at Berklee or for two-year programs after the first year.
Follow the internship guide (login required) to learn more and get started.
Can international students participate in internships?
Yes. However, non-U.S. students must receive curricular practical training (CPT) authorization for all internship experiences, paid or unpaid, and can only intern in the U.S. with authorization and by enrolling in an internship course administered by the Career Center.
Non-U.S. students are not eligible to intern for CPT until they have completed two semesters at Berklee.
Are alumni able to do an internship for credit?
Berklee undergraduate alumni who have obtained their diploma or bachelor’s degree from the college's Boston campus and who are not currently attending another college or university are eligible to enroll in the IN-299: Internship in Arts and Entertainment 1 course within eight months of their graduation date. The Career Center reserves the right to accept or deny the application of any internship course or program participant.
Does the Career Center place students into internships?
Berklee does not place students into internships. All students apply to and secure internships based on professional interests, skills, and career objectives. There are many tools available to search for internships, including the Berklee Career Manager.
An internship site supervisor will interview and hire a student based on qualifications outlined in the internship position description.
I did an internship last year. Can I get credit for it now?
No. Berklee does not offer retroactive credit. If you interned in the past, you may not earn credit for it in a subsequent semester.
Can I intern at two different places while registered for one internship course
Yes. Students registered for an internship course may intern at two different places during the same semester. The total number of hours must meet the minimum requirement, and both internships will last the duration of the semester.
My internship is paid. Am I able to earn credit?
Yes. While some internships are unpaid, if you secure a paid internship, you may also register for an internship course for credit. International students in F-1 status are able to do paid internships with proper authorization.
Which course should I take? What's the difference?
When deciding which internship course makes sense, first determine your eligibility. If you are eligible for both IN-299 and the IN-495 in your major consider the following questions:
- Do you need the two credits to complete your major?
- Will you meet the minimum number of hours required for the course? Also ask yourself, how many hours per week can you dedicate to an internship, and how many hours does a company offer or require?
The main differences between the courses include the number of credits, the cost of tuition, the minimum number of hours required, and the academic assignments.
Conservatory students are able to register for IN-299 and IN-399. GS-595 is for graduate students.
What costs are associated with internship courses?
If a student is only registered for IN-299 or IN-399 and no other classes, the tuition cost has been reduced to $100. During a full-time semester, if the credit load has not exceeded its maximum (of 16 credits) there will not be additional charges. However, if enrollment in IN-299 or IN-399 surpasses 16 credits the cost structure for 16 credits would be exceeded, incurring an additional $100 fee.
The cost of the two-credit, IN-495 major-specific internship courses follows the cost structure of other two-credit courses on campus.
If a graduate student is only registered for GS-595 and no other classes, the tuition is $250.
Are internship courses available year-round?
Yes. Eligible students from the College and Conservatory may register for an internship course during the fall, spring, or summer semester.
May I register for two internship courses at the same time?
No. You may not register for two internship courses during the same semester. However, you may participate in two internships simultaneously under one internship course.
Do I have to take IN-299 before I register for a 495 internship course?
No. IN-299 is not a prerequisite for the 495 internship courses.
How are the internship courses graded?
Students enrolled in the undergraduate internship courses earn a letter grade of A through F. The GS-595 course for graduate students is graded pass/fail. The academic requirements for each course are outlined in the syllabus, which is provided at the start of the semester.
May I work more hours than the minimum requirement for my course?
Yes. When setting your internship schedule, be mindful of other obligations including other academic courses, student employment, and rehearsals. Manage your time in a way that is healthy for you.
Once you set a schedule with your internship supervisor, they will be counting on you. If you find that you need to adjust your schedule, discuss it with your supervisor and come to a solution that is reasonable for all parties.
May I intern with the same site for more than one semester?
Yes. If you feel as though you are able to expand on your learning during a subsequent semester, it can be rewarding to spend an extended period of time at a particular company or organization.
Consider whether there are other experiences where you can meet new people and make new connections, however, if you are asked to stay on as an unpaid intern for more than two semesters.
International students must have valid authorization to intern during each semester of the internship.
Does the Career Center provide housing for internships?
No. Students are responsible for securing their own housing during an internship semester.
Is funding available to support living costs during an internship semester?
Yes. Apply for a fellowship. Fellowship applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and funds are awarded during the semester to selected applicants who are enrolled in an internship course.
Are there different internship sites or companies designated for each of the internship courses?
No. There are not certain internship sites reserved for IN-299, IN-399, or any of the 495 internship courses. This means that a student registered for IN-299 might be interning next to a student registered for IN-495.
An internship site supervisor will interview and hire a student based on qualifications.
I have secured an internship, and they have asked for a letter from my college that verifies I will earn credit for the internship. How do I get this document?
If you have secured an internship and are successfully approved and registered in an internship course, you may request a signed letter of verification by emailing CareerCenter@berklee.edu.
If you have been offered an internship opportunity and still require approval and registration, please follow the Step-by-Step Guide and our team will verify your eligibility.
